By: Nadia Brown

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Juan Pizarro now calls Texas home and serves with the American Red Cross North Texas Region and the Texas Gulf Coast Region. His work spans a wide range of communities, including the cities of Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Houston, and McKinney.

Pizarro’s earliest connection to the Red Cross was through blood drives. He saw them at his high school and later at college campuses. His family regularly donates blood to the Red Cross. Even before joining the organization professionally, Pizarro understood the Red Cross was more than just disaster relief.

“Seeing the Red Cross in my community inspired me to become a member,” Pizarro shares. “I wanted to stay in a profession where I was being of service.”

Now with three years as a Transportation Supervisor in the Biomedical Services department, Pizarro ensures lifesaving blood products reach patients in need. He oversees the transportation of these products from donation sites to hospitals, managing volunteers and staff members who make deliveries and collections.
 

Connecting Through Culture

Pizarro values the unique role he plays in connecting with Spanish-speaking communities. He works alongside Hispanic and Latino volunteers from countries such as Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela. He shares stories, cultural experiences, and the Red Cross mission in ways that resonate deeply.

“Speaking to people in their language and giving them information they can truly understand builds trust,” Pizarro explains. “It is one way I have been able to connect with the community and help them see how they can be part of our mission.”

Pizarro also believes outreach goes beyond Hispanic Heritage Month — It’s a year-round effort. He points to the strong presence of Hispanic and Latino volunteers in Texas who serve in Disaster Relief, Blood Services, and Services to the Armed Forces.
 

Inspiration in Action

What inspires Pizarro most is delivering the blood products themselves. “Knowing our work is meaningful and that it changes and saves lives keeps me going,” he said. “It is rewarding to work alongside volunteers who take time out of their day to help their communities.”

Looking ahead, Pizarro hopes to grow both professionally and personally while inspiring the next generation. When speaking with high school or college students about the Red Cross, he sees proud moments when young people get involved in their communities. “Maybe we are planting a seed,” he reflects, “that will grow into a lifelong commitment to service.”

For Pizarro, the mission of the American Red Cross is more than a job. It is a calling rooted in compassion, cultural connection, and knowing that every drop of blood can be a gift of life.
 

How to Get Involved

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us unite behind the power of community and the difference we can make together. We are actively seeking bilingual individuals who can help us deliver our mission. There are many ways to get involved including Spanish proofreader/translators, disaster action team members, shelter volunteers, blood drive ambassadors and blood transportation specialists.

To join the Red Cross mission, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

Your commitment can help ensure that all communities receive the care and support they need, no matter the challenge.